Outwitting the Job Market Over the Long Term - Part 3
The job market in this country can be challenging for many young people who are just beginning their careers. There's a lot of competition for entry-level positions and it can be difficult to find an employer who will take the time to train you, develop your skills, and create a path for future advancement.
But despite tough times on the job market, there are some key steps that young people can take in order to stay relevant and make sure they have what it takes in order to stand out during this tough phase in their lives.
The following suggestions have been carefully crafted by Career Coach, Ruby Couture. Make sure you follow the advice she offers.
Step # 1: Obtain relevant academic credentials. If you are just starting out in your career, you may have to rely on the skills that you bring to the table--but those skills should be aligned with your career goals. If you are a recent college graduate, consider obtaining some relevant academic credentials before applying for a job and waiting in line for an interview. By doing so, you'll show employers that you're eager to learn and serious about pursuing your dream job. In many cases, graduate certificates and master's degrees will help you stand out among the competition (especially now that the job market is full of unemployed people with comparable skills).
Step # 2: Conduct informational meetings to learn more about opportunities. If you're still in school, only speak with academic advisers or professors who can share insights with regards to your career options. The transition from college to the "real world" is a significant one and this advice applies to everyone, including recent graduates with advanced degrees. Attend informational meetings where you can network with regional industry professionals who can share helpful information about what it takes to build a long-term career in your field of choice.
Step # 3: Become fluent in technology. The 21st century is a technological one and this fact has inspired a number of people to obtain technology-related degrees. If your career goals include working in an office where technology is involved in some capacity, consider obtaining training or certifications that will help you become fluent in different software programs. Most employers want to see that you're able to communicate with others via email, Skype, or some other form of virtual communication.
Step # 4: Use social media sites as a way to connect with relevant people. If you've never used Twitter or Facebook before, now is the perfect time to learn how social media can help you build relationships with people who are directly related to your field of choice. Don't just limit yourself to your social network asking people to donate money to charity. Share information about valuable or interesting resources that you've discovered.
Step # 5: Investigate further education if necessary. If you have a passion for your field, consider pursuing an advanced degree which will help you become more marketable. There are many ways that young people can pursue this type of education and you can find more information on the subject in our article entitled: Advanced Degrees: The Market Needs You. However, it's not uncommon for recent grads to experience tough times when they're trying to get hired. If you're having a hard time finding a job, set up informational meetings with career counselors who can help you through this difficult time.
Step # 6: Become an entrepreneur. As mentioned above, technology has become an important part of our society and there are many opportunities for young people who want to work in this field. The Internet is full of start-ups and small businesses that need the help of young entrepreneurs to get the word out about their services or products. If you have what it takes, we recommend reading our articles entitled: 6 Tips To Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur and 3 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Stand Out In Their Industry .
Step # 7: Go abroad. If you're feeling desperate to get a job that can help you pay the bills, consider traveling to a country where there are no language barriers and you'll be able to find work more easily. If you're fluent in more than one language, this will only increase your chances of finding a position--and some countries offer incentives for people who speak foreign languages.
Step # 8: Speak with high level executives directly. You may have difficulty getting support from recruiters or HR professionals who are focused on their own goals. However, there are times when these individuals lose sight of the bigger picture and soon realize that they need to help the people who will be working for the company in the future. If you have a connection with a high level executive, speak with them directly and ask for their advice.
Step # 9: Be smart about your professional wardrobe. If you're serious about getting hired, invest in the right clothes. Your clothes should be tailored to fit your body type and your wardrobe should consist of things that can be worn to work or during various interviews. Browse our articles entitled: 4 Tips To Help You Stand Out From The Crowd Part 1 and Part 2 , as they offer additional ideas on how to create a professional image that stands out from the crowd.
Step # 10: Know your strengths, weaknesses, and transferable skills. It's important that you understand yourself and know what makes you unique as an individual. This type of self-awareness will help you identify the skills that you can contribute to your employer. If you're missing some key components, consider taking a few business classes or investing in some training classes before making a career related move.
Step # 11: Avoid using illegal drugs. This is one thing that all young people should avoid, as we cannot emphasize this point enough. If you find yourself interested in experimenting with these substances, speak with an addiction specialist who can give you the tools to resist peer pressure and stay on track with your goals.
Step # 12: Avoid losing your drive. Many people experience various challenges when they're trying to reach their full potential. People will often try to limit the things that you can accomplish or place obstacles in your path, but it's important not to lose your enthusiasm or become discouraged. If you're interested in becoming a lawyer, for example, and you meet someone who wants to discourage you, ask them how they became a lawyer and see if they have any advice for you. Look at life from their perspective and consider what experiences led them to this point in life. Maybe there is something that they can teach you!
Step # 13: Don't be afraid of failure. If you're having a hard time getting the things that you want in life, remind yourself that failure is a stepping stone to success. Often times your biggest failures can turn into your greatest successes.
Step # 14: If you get into trouble with the authorities, know how to respond appropriately. Don't make excuses or try to lie your way out of this situation, as it will only backfire on you. You need to take responsibility for your actions and see how you can improve upon this situation in the future. We suggest reading our article entitled: Do's And Don'ts When Meeting With Police Officers , as it offers additional tips for folks who are meeting with law enforcement officials for the first time.
Conclusion:
There are many things that you can do to get into a good career and help pay the bills while you're getting your start. It's important to avoid common pitfalls such as laziness and complacency, but it's also important to be sure that you're using all of the resources available to you. You can find more information about how to succeed in your career by reading our articles entitled: How To Get A Great Job And How To Get Out Of A Bad Job .
If there are things that we haven't covered here, please let us know in the comments section below so we can offer additional tips on how you can make a change for the better.